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Catholic Caucus:Daily Mass Readings, 12-27-12,Feast, St. John, Apostle&Evangelist, 3rd Day/Oct. Chr
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 12-27-12 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 12/26/2012 8:57:21 PM PST by Salvation

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Just A Minute Just A Minute (Listen)
Some of EWTN's most popular hosts and guests in a collection of one minute inspirational messages. A different message each time you click.

21 posted on 12/26/2012 10:26:41 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 


Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 


22 posted on 12/26/2012 10:28:11 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Saint John the Evangelist

Saint John the Evangelist
Feast Day
December 27th

 

Collect for the Feast of Saint John
O God, who through the blessed Apostle John
have unlocked for us the secrets of your Word,
grant, we pray,
that we may grasp with proper understanding
what he has so marvelously brought to our ears.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen

John, known as the Evangelist and the "beloved disciple" was born in Bethsaida. He was called to follow Jesus while mending his fishing nets. John wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and the Apocalypse (Revelation). His passages on the pre-existence of the Word, who by His Incarnation became the light of the world and life of our souls, are among the most powerful of the New Testament.

He is the evangelist of the divinity of Christ and His fraternal love. With James, his brother, and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration. John is thought to have been especially close to Jesus; he alone was at the foot of the cross when Our Lord died, and it was to John that Jesus said "Behold thy Mother."

According to legend, the emperor Diocletian once tried to poison John by ordering him to drink a cup of poisoned wine. Saint John blessed the wine and the poison slithered away in the form of a snake.

First Reading:
I John 1: 1-4

Something which has existed since the beginning, that we have heard, and we have seen with our own eyes; that we have watched and touched with our hands: the Word, who is life -- this is our subject. That life was made visible: we saw it and we are giving our testimony, telling you of the eternal life which was with the Father and has been made visible to us. What we have seen and heard we are telling you so that you too may be in union with us, as we are in union with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing this to you to make our own joy complete.

Gospel Reading:
John 20:1a, 2-8

On the first day of the week Mary of Magdala came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb" she said "and we don't know where they have put Him". So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen clothes lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over His head, this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed.


Suggested family activities
Many countries have the tradition of blessing wine in the name of Saint John on this feast. Often a sweetened, spiced red wine is prepared and served hot (alcohol is evaporated after boiling for five minutes). At dinner on Saint John's Day, the father blesses a large cup of wine. Each member of the family takes a drink and passes the cup, saying "I drink to you in the love of Saint John".

 

Blessing of Saint John's Wine
Blessed art Thou, Lord God, who fillest the hungry and satisfiest the thirsty, And givest us wine to gladden our hearts. Grant that all who drink this wine in remembrance of Saint John may rejoice in Thee and be invited to sit at Thy heavenly banquet for ever and ever. Amen


23 posted on 12/27/2012 8:22:13 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Catholic Word of the Day: JOHN THE APOSTLE, 03-08-11
The Twelve Apostles of the Catholic Church: St. John [Catholic Caucus]
The Book on Love from the Beloved Disciple
Feast of St. John (Apostle and Evangelist)
John the Apostle (Theologian)

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian September 26
Where the Beloved Disciple Finally Rested
Orthodox Feast of The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian, September 26
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Mary's House — Walking in the Footsteps of St. John

24 posted on 12/27/2012 8:23:33 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Information: St. John the Apostle

Feast Day: December 27
Born:

6 AD, Galilee, in the Holy Land

Died: 101, Ephesus, Asia Minor
Patron of: authors, burns, poisoning, theologians, publishers, booksellers, editors, friendships, and painters


25 posted on 12/27/2012 8:28:34 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Interactive Saints for Kids

St. John the Apostle

St. John the Apostle
Feast Day: December 27
Born :(around the time of Jesus) :: Died: (around 100)

St. John was born to Zebedee and Salome. He was a fisherman in Galilee and was called along with his brother St. James to be an apostle. Jesus gave these sons of Zebedee the nickname, "sons of thunder."

St. John was the youngest of the apostles and Jesus loved him dearly. At the Last Supper, John leaned his head on the chest of Jesus to comfort him.

John was also the only apostle who did not desert Jesus during his passion and stood at the foot of the cross. The dying Jesus asked John to care for his Blessed Mother, Mary.

Turning to Mary, he said to John, "Behold your mother." So the rest of her life on earth, the Blessed Mother lived with St. John. He alone had the great honor of assisting and caring for the all-pure Mother of God.

On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene and the other women went with spices to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body. They came running back to the apostles with exciting news. The body of Jesus was gone from the tomb.

Peter and John went to see if this was true. John arrived first but waited for Peter to go in ahead of him. Then he went in and saw the neatly folded linen cloths.

Later that same week, the disciples were fishing on the lake of Tiberias but did not catch any fish. A man standing on the beach asked them to let down their nets on the other side of the boat. When they pulled it up again it was full of large fish.

St. John, immediately knew this was Jesus, and called to Peter, "It is the Lord." With the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles were filled with new courage and St. John and St. Peter were thrown into prison for preaching the good news without fear.

After the Ascension, John performed many miracles in the name of Jesus. Hearing him preach, hundreds of people were baptized and became followers of Jesus so St. John founded churches in Asia Minor for the people.

John lived for more than 100 years. He led a life of suffering, preached the Gospel, and became bishop of Ephesus. In the last years of his life, when he could no longer preach, his disciples would carry him to the crowds of Christians. His simple message was, "My dear children, love one another."

St. John died in Ephesus (modern Turkey) around the year 100. A church was built over his tomb and was later converted to a mosque.

26 posted on 12/27/2012 8:32:42 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
John
  English: Douay-Rheims Latin: Vulgata Clementina Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
  John 20
1 AND on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalen cometh early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre; and she saw the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Una autem sabbati, Maria Magdalene venit mane, cum adhuc tenebræ essent, ad monumentum : et vidit lapidem sublatum a monumento. τη δε μια των σαββατων μαρια η μαγδαληνη ερχεται πρωι σκοτιας ετι ουσης εις το μνημειον και βλεπει τον λιθον ηρμενον εκ του μνημειου
2 She ran, therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith to them: They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Cucurrit ergo, et venit ad Simonem Petrum, et ad alium discipulum, quem amabat Jesus, et dicit illis : Tulerunt Dominum de monumento, et nescimus ubi posuerunt eum. τρεχει ουν και ερχεται προς σιμωνα πετρον και προς τον αλλον μαθητην ον εφιλει ο ιησους και λεγει αυτοις ηραν τον κυριον εκ του μνημειου και ουκ οιδαμεν που εθηκαν αυτον
3 Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the sepulchre. Exiit ergo Petrus, et ille alius discipulus, et venerunt ad monumentum. εξηλθεν ουν ο πετρος και ο αλλος μαθητης και ηρχοντο εις το μνημειον
4 And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. Currebant autem duo simul, et ille alius discipulus præcucurrit citius Petro, et venit primus ad monumentum. ετρεχον δε οι δυο ομου και ο αλλος μαθητης προεδραμεν ταχιον του πετρου και ηλθεν πρωτος εις το μνημειον
5 And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying; but yet he went not in. Et cum se inclinasset, vidit posita linteamina : non tamen introivit. και παρακυψας βλεπει κειμενα τα οθονια ου μεντοι εισηλθεν
6 Then cometh Simon Peter, following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen cloths lying, Venit ergo Simon Petrus sequens eum, et introivit in monumentum, et vidit linteamina posita, ερχεται ουν σιμων πετρος ακολουθων αυτω και εισηλθεν εις το μνημειον και θεωρει τα οθονια κειμενα
7 And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place. et sudarium, quod fuerat super caput ejus, non cum linteaminibus positum, sed separatim involutum in unum locum. και το σουδαριον ο ην επι της κεφαλης αυτου ου μετα των οθονιων κειμενον αλλα χωρις εντετυλιγμενον εις ενα τοπον
8 Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the sepulchre: and he saw, and believed. Tunc ergo introivit et ille discipulus qui venerat primus ad monumentum : et vidit, et credidit : τοτε ουν εισηλθεν και ο αλλος μαθητης ο ελθων πρωτος εις το μνημειον και ειδεν και επιστευσεν

27 posted on 12/27/2012 8:34:36 AM PST by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex
1. The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher, and sees the stone taken away from the sepulcher.
2. Then she runs, and comes to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and says to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him.
3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher.
4. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher.
5. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying: yet went he not in.
6. Then comes Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeing the linen clothes lie,
7. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself:
8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed.


CHRYS. The Sabbath being now over, during which it was unlawful to be there, Mary Magdalene could rest no longer, but came very early in the morning, to seek consolation at the grave: The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher.

AUG. Mary Magdalene, undoubtedly the most fervent in love, of all the women that ministered to our Lord; so that John deservedly mentions her only, and says nothing of the others who were with her, as we know from the other Evangelists.

AUG. Una sabbati is the day which Christians call the Lord's day, after our Lord's resurrection. Matthew calls it prima sabbati.

BEDE. Una sabbati, i.e. one day after the sabbath.

THEOPHYL. Or thus: The Jews called the days of the week sabbath, and the first day, one of the sabbaths, which day is a type of the life to come; for that life will be one day not cut short by any night, since God is the sun there, a sun which never sets. On this day then our Lord rose again, with an incorruptible body, even as we in the life to come shall put on incorruption.

AUG. What Mark says, Very early in the morning, at the rising of the sun, does not contradict John's words, when it was yet dark. At the dawn of day, there are yet remains of darkness, which disappear as the light breaks in. We must not understand Mark's words, Very early in the morning, at the rising of the sun, to mean that the sun was above the horizon, but rather what we ourselves ordinarily mean by the phrase, when we want any thing to be done very early, we say at the rising of the sun, i.e. some time before the sun is risen.

GREG. It is well said, When it was yet dark: Mary was seeking the Creator of all things in the tomb, and because she found Him not, thought He was stolen. Truly it was yet dark when she came to the sepulcher.

And sees the stone taken away from the sepulcher.

AUG. Now took place what Matthew only relates, the earthquake, and rolling away of the stone, and fight of the guards.

CHRYS. Our Lord rose while the stone and seal were still on the sepulcher. But as it was necessary that others should be certified of this, the sepulcher is opened after the resurrection, and so the fact confirmed. This it was which roused Mary. For when she saw the stone taken away, she entered not nor looked in, but ran to the disciples with all the speed of love. But as yet she knew nothing for certain about the resurrection, but thought that His body had been carried off.

GLOSS. And therefore she ran to tell the disciples, that they might seek Him with her, or grieve with her: Then she runs, and comes to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved.

AUG. This is the way in which he usually mentions himself. Jesus loved all, but him in an especial and familiar way. And says to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.

GREG. She puts the part for the whole; she had come only to seek for the body of our Lord, and now she laments that our Lord, the whole of Him, is taken away.

AUG. Some of the Greek copies have, taken away my Lord, which is more expressive of love, and of the feeling of an handmaiden. But only a few have this reading.

CHRYS. The Evangelist does not deprive the woman of this praise, nor leaves out from shame, that they had the news first from her. As soon as they hear it, they hasten to the sepulcher.

GREG. But Peter and John before the others, for they loved most; Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher.

THEOPHYL. But how came they to the sepulcher, while the soldiers were guarding it? an easy question to answer. After our Lord's resurrection and the earthquake, and the appearance of the angel at the sepulcher, the guards withdrew, and told the Pharisees what had happened.

AUG. After saying, came to the sepulcher he goes back and tells us how they came: So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher; meaning himself, but he always speaks of himself, as if he were speaking of another person.

CHRYS. On coming he sees the linen clothes set aside: And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying. But he makes no further search: yet went he not in.

Peter on the other hand, being of a more fervid temper, pursued the search, and examined every thing: Then comes Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and sees the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Which circumstances were proof of His resurrection. For had they carried Him away, they would not have stripped Him; nor, if any had stolen Him, would they have taken the trouble to wrap up the napkin, and put it in a place by itself, apart from the linen clothes; but would have taken away the body as it was. John mentioned the myrrh first of all, for this reason, i.e. to show you that He could not have been stolen away. For myrrh would make the linen adhere to the body, and so caused trouble to the thieves, and they would never have been so senseless as to have taken this unnecessary pains about the matter.

After Peter however, John entered: Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed.

AUG. i.e. That Jesus had risen again, some think: Ah, but what follows contradicts this notion. He saw the sepulcher empty, and believed what the woman had said: For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. If he did not yet know that He must rise again from the dead, he could not believe that He had risen. They had heard as much indeed from our Lord, and very openly, but they were so accustomed to hear parables from Him, that they tool; this for a parable, and thought He meant something else.

GREG. But this account of the Evangelist must not be thought to be without some mystical meaning. By John, the younger of the two, the synagogue; by Peter, the elder, the Gentile Church is represented: for as though the synagogue was before the Gentile Church as regards the worship of God, as regards time the Gentile world was before the synagogue. They ran together, because the Gentile world ran side by side with the synagogue from first to last, in respect of purity and community of life, though a purity and community of understanding they had not.

The synagogue came first to the sepulcher, but entered not: it knew the commandments of the law, and had heard the prophecies of our Lord's incarnation and death, but would not believe in Him who died. Then comes Simon Peter, and entered into the sepulcher: the Gentile Church both knew Jesus Christ as dead man, and believed in Him as living God. The napkin about our Lord's head is not found with the linen clothes, i.e. God, the Head of Christ, and the incomprehensible mysteries of the Godhead are removed from our poor knowledge; His power transcends the nature of the creature. And it is found not only apart, but also wrapped together; because of the linen wrapped together, neither beginning nor end is seen; and the height of the Divine nature had neither beginning nor end. And it is into one place: for where there is division, God is not; and they merit His grace, who do not occasion scandal by dividing themselves into sects.

But as a napkin is what is used in laboring to wipe the sweat of the brow, by the napkin here we may understand the labor of God: which napkin is found apart, because the suffering of our Redeemer is far removed from ours; inasmuch as He suffered innocently, that which we suffer justly; He submitted Himself to death voluntarily, we by necessity. But after Peter entered, John entered too; for at the end of the world even Judea shall be gathered in to the true faith.

THEOPHYL. Or thus: Peter is practical and prompt, John contemplative and intelligent, and learned in divine things. Now the contemplative man is generally beforehand in knowledge and intelligence, but the practical by his fervor and activity gets the advance of the other's perception, and sees first into the divine mystery.

Catena Aurea John 20
28 posted on 12/27/2012 8:35:04 AM PST by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex


The Myrrh-bearing Women at the Sepulchre

29 posted on 12/27/2012 8:35:40 AM PST by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex


The Myrrh-bearing Women

13th century
San Marco, Venice

30 posted on 12/27/2012 8:36:19 AM PST by annalex (fear them not)
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To: annalex


The disciples Peter and John came running to the tomb on the morning of the Resurrection

Eugène Burnard

1898
Paris, Musée d'Orsay

31 posted on 12/27/2012 8:37:02 AM PST by annalex (fear them not)
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Catholic
Almanac:
Thursday, December 27
Liturgical Color: White

Today is the Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. He was known as the beloved disciple and the author of the 4th Gospel. At the Crucifixion our Savior entrusted the Blessed Virgin into St. John’s care with the words, “Behold thy Mother.”

32 posted on 12/27/2012 5:59:38 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: December 27, 2012
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who through the blessed Apostle John have unlocked for us the secrets of your Word, grant, we pray, that we may grasp with proper understanding what he has so marvelously brought to our ears. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Christmas: December 27th

Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist

Old Calendar: St. John

Today is the third day in the octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist. Born in Bethsaida, he was called while mending his nets to follow Jesus. He became the beloved disciple of Jesus. He wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles and the Apocalypse. His passages on the pre-existence of the Word, who by His Incarnation became the light of the world and the life of our souls, are among the finest of the New Testament. He is the evangelist of the divinity of Christ and His fraternal love. With James, his brother, and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration. At the Last Supper, he leans on the Master's breast. At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusts His Mother to his care. John's pure life kept him very close to Jesus and Mary in years to come. John was exiled to the island of Patmos under Emperor Domitian.

The Third Day of Christmas


St. John
St. John, the Evangelist, who is styled in the Gospel, "the beloved disciple", was a Galilean, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother to St. James the Greater, both of whom were fishermen. The two were called by Jesus to be disciples as they were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus showed St. John particular instances of kindness and affection above all the rest. He had the happiness to be present with Peter and James at the Transfiguration of Christ, and was permitted to witness His agony in the Garden. He was allowed to rest on Our Savior's bosom at the Last Supper, and to him Jesus confided the care of His holy Mother as He hung dying on the Cross.

St. John was the only one of the Apostles who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion and Death.

It seems that St. John remained for a long time in Jerusalem, but that his later years were spent at Ephesus, whence he founded many churches in Asia Minor. St. John wrote his Gospel after the other Evangelists, about sixty-three years after the Ascension of Christ; also three Epistles, and the wonderful and mysterious Book of the Apocalypse or Revelation. He was brought to Rome and, according to tradition, was cast into a caldron of boiling oil by order of Emperor Domitian. Like the Three Children in the fiery furnace of Babylon, he was miraculously preserved unhurt.

He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse, but afterwards returned to Ephesus.

In his extreme old age he continued to visit the churches of Asia. St. Jerome relates that when age and weakness grew upon him so that he was no longer able to preach to the people, he would be carried to the assembly of the faithful by his disciples, with great difficulty; and every time said to his flock only these words: "My dear children, love one another."

St. John died in peace at Ephesus in the third year of Trajan (as seems to be gathered from Eusebius' history of the Saint); that is, the hundredth of the Christian era, or the sixty-sixth from the crucifixion of Christ, St. John then being about ninety-four years old, according to St. Epiphanus.

Excerpted from Heavenly Friends, St. Paul Editions

Patron: Against poison; art dealers; authors; bookbinders; booksellers; burns; compositors; editors; engravers; friendships; lithographers; painters; papermakers; poisoning; printers; publishers; tanners; theologians; typesetters; writers; Asia Minor; Taos, New Mexico; Umbria, Italy; diocese of Cleveland, Ohio; diocese of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Symbols: Cup or chalice and serpent (cup or sorrow foretold by Jesus); eagle rising out of a cauldron (refers to being a martyr of spirit, but not in deed); serpent entwined on a sword; grave; Prester John seated on tomb, with book, orb, and sword; eagle on a closed book; scroll of his Gospel; scroll of the Apocalypse; nimbed eagle; book.


33 posted on 12/27/2012 6:06:14 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 20:1-8

 Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

“He saw and believed.” (John 20:8)

Mary Magdalene’s report of an empty tomb was so troubling that Peter and John left the safety of the upper room to investigate. John got there first, and waited for Peter before going into the tomb. Once he saw the carefully rolled up burial cloth, he believed. Jesus had risen from the dead! All the words Jesus had spoken about this while he was still alive blossomed in John’s heart that moment, and a new faith was born.

Don’t you find this amazing? Even Peter, the leader of the apos­tles, the one who walked on water and confessed Jesus as the Holy One of God, didn’t believe—at least not yet. What was so different about John?

If we backtrack to Good Friday, we see that John, also known as the beloved disciple, was the only one of the Twelve to stay by the cross throughout Jesus’ passion. He was there, comforting Mary as they watched the Son of God give up his life. John saw Jesus’ faith­fulness, his absolute trust in his Father, and his self-sacrificing love in a way that the others didn’t. Witnessing such a dramatic scene must have made a deep impression on his heart.

Remember, too, that on the cross Jesus entrusted Mary into John’s care (John 19:25-27). Jesus knew that John had the same attitude of prayerful pondering that his mother had—the attitude that John showed as he laid his head next to Jesus’ heart at the Last Supper. While Peter was the active doer, John was more thoughtful and prayerful. So just the right bit of evidence—an empty tomb—could act as a kind of spark, igniting everything John had pondered during those three days of waiting.

Take St. John as your model as you pray today. Fix your eyes on Christ crucified, and pon­der his word. Let all the truths of this blessed Christmas season take deeper root in your heart. Just believe in Jesus. Draw close to his heart, and let his love wash over you.

“Lord, I don’t want to keep searching frantically for you. I believe that you are right here with me. Help me rest in your presence, so that my faith can deepen.”

1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12


34 posted on 12/27/2012 6:10:46 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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A Christian Pilgrim

JOHN SAW AND EXPERIENCED JESUS

(A biblical reflection on the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist –  27 December 2012) 

First Reading: 1Jn 1:1-4 

Psalms: Ps 97:1-2,5-6.11-12; Gospel Reading: Jn 20:2-8 

YOHANES PENGINJIL - 1

The Scripture Text

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. (1Jn 1:1-4 RSV) 

Every day, we live within the framework of the Church Calendar, yet we rarely give it much thought. Nevertheless, it can offer precious insights into the Christian life. Today serves as a good example: We celebrate the feast of St. John, by long tradition, considered to be “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 21:20) and the author of the Fourth Gospel as well as the epistles bearing his name. According to early Christian legend, John cared for the Virgin Mary until her assumption and thereafter lived a long life, dying at a very old age.

What a contrast to Stephen, commemorated yesterday, who was brutally stoned to death (see Acts 7:54-60)! These two disciples held very little in common, except for this: They both saw Jesus. In his final words, Stephen proclaimed the glorious reality of the risen Lord whom he saw “standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). John, on the other hand, testified to the historical aspect of the Incarnate Word: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands” (1Jn 1:1).

By putting these two witnesses side by side, the Church offers us a unique perspective on the reality of Jesus, crucified but risen; enthroned in heaven, yet living among us. Each in their own way, both men tells us: “The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father” (1Jn 1:2).

It is our privilege and challenge to deepen this reality in our lives, Stephen and John were no different from us; they simply opened their lives to the Lord. Such witnesses can spur us on to experience the same revelation of Christ, to share the same complete joy. Whatever circumstance that God has placed us in – suffering or peace – the many diverse witnesses to Jesus exhort us daily: “That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1Jn 1:3). 

Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, renew us by Your presence this day, that we may become living testaments to Your love. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


35 posted on 12/27/2012 6:16:31 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
Marriage = One Man and One Woman
Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for December 27, 2012:

“On the 3rd Day of Christmas my true love gave to me – 3 French Hens.” Some have interpreted this lyric to refer to the Trinity. Another possibility is that God forms the 3rd person in the marriage relationship. It’s a mystery. Ponder it.


36 posted on 12/27/2012 6:20:35 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Vultus Christi

Drink to the Love of Saint John!

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1227stjohnev.jpg

Blessing of Wine on the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist


On the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, at the end of the principal Mass, that is, after the last Gospel, the priest, retaining all his vestments except the maniple, in the following manner blesses wine brought by the people in memory and in honor of Saint John, who drank poison without harm:

Psalm 22

The Lord is my Shepherd and I will lack nothing; He leadeth me to encamp in green pastures. He leadeth me to refreshing waters; He reneweth my thirsting soul.
He guideth me on straight paths for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through deadly gloom, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff, they give me security.
Thou preparest for me a banquet in sight of my oppressors.
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup overflows, and how good it is!
Thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord to the end of my days.
Glory be to the Father.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, inaudibly until

V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

V. Preserve thy servants.
R. That trust in thee, my God.

V. Send them aid, O Lord, from heaven.
R. And from Sion watch over them.

V. Let the enemy be powerless over them.
R. And the son of evil do nothing to harm them.

V. And should they drink anything deadly.
R. May it not hurt them.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.

Let us pray.

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God!
Who didst will that thy Son, equal to thee in eternity and substance,
should descend from heaven
and in the fulness of time take temporal birth of the most holy Virgin Mary,
so that He could seek the lost and wayward sheep
and carry it on His shoulders to the sheepfold,
and could cure the man fallen among robbers of his wounds
by pouring in oil and wine
-- do thou bless + and sanctify + this wine
which thou hast vintaged for man's drink.
Whoever partakes of it on this holy solemnity,
grant him life in body and soul.
By thy goodness let it be to him strength in the pilgrimage
to prosper him on the way,
that his journey may come to a happy termination.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst call thyself the true vine
and thy holy apostles the branches,
and didst desire to plant a chosen vineyard of all who love thee,
bless + this wine and impart to it the power of thy benediction.
And as thy beloved disciple John, Apostle and Evangelist
intercedes for them that partake thereof,
grant them security from all deadly and poisonous afflictions
and constant good health of soul and body.
Who livest and reignest forever.
Amen.

Let us pray.

O God, thou givest to man bread to eat and wine to drink --
bread to nourish the body and wine to cheer the heart.
And as thou didst confer upon blessed John, thy beloved disciple
such favour that not only did he himself escape the poisoned potion,
but could restore life to others so overcome;
do thou grant to all that drink this wine spiritual joy and eternal life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son,
who with Thee, liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
R. Amen.

It is sprinkled with Holy Water.


37 posted on 12/27/2012 6:35:29 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Vultus Christi

Saint John by Sir Ninian Comper, Lady Chapel of Downside Abbey Church. Thanks to the ever gracious Father Lawrence, O.P. for the use of his photo.

The Logic of the Liturgy

The liturgy has a marvelous logic all its own. On this third day of the Christmas octave, Mother Church gives us a Resurrection Gospel, taken from the very last chapter of Saint John! While we are yet at the manger, the liturgy compels us to gaze into the face of the risen Christ! John, the disciple whom Jesus loved is there before us. Indeed, it was he who arrived first at the sepulchre, preceding the Prince of the Apostles. Saint John's virginal love gave wings to his feet. "Draw me in thy footsteps," says the bride of the Canticle, "let us run" (Ct 1:4). John is the first of those who set out in search of the Body of Christ; arriving even before Peter, and yet deferring to him.

Peter and John

The Petrine authority in the Church is firmly established by Christ on the solid rock of Peter; it continues through the successors of Peter: teaching, reproving, testing, correcting, forgiving and calling together in unity. The Johannine authority in the Church is not hierarchical, but belongs, rather, to the order of graces freely given for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ; it speaks with the voice of love, with the inimitable accents of direct experience. It is the authority of the saints and mystics, the authority of holiness, the authority of the greatly loved and of the great lovers. "I belong to my love, and my love to me" (Ct 6:3).

What We Have Seen and Heard

The Church has need of both voices. She needs the strong, unwavering voice of Peter; she also needs the many-voiced Johannine chorus of those who sing: "Something which has existed since the beginning, that we have heard, and we have seen with our own eyes; that we have contemplated and touched with our own hands: the Word who is life--this is our theme. That life was made visible; we saw it and are giving our testimony. . . . We declare to you what we have seen and heard, so that you too may share our life" (1 Jn 1:1-3).

Love of Things Invisible

The Johannine chorus speaks with the unmistakable authority of those who have gone into the wine-cellar and rested beneath the banner of love (cf. Ct 2:4-5). Their breath is fragrant with honey and with the honeycomb, of wine and of milk: that is with the imperishable sweetness of the Holy Spirit, with the Blood of the Lamb and with the pure milk of the living Word of God. These are the ones who have eaten and drunk, drunk deeply (cf. Ct 5:1) of the streams of living water that flow ever fresh from the pierced Heart of the Bridegroom (cf. Jn 7:37-38). These are the descendants of Saint John the Beloved, those to whom the Father has given the eagle's vision, those who are little enough and poor enough to be borne aloft and carried away into the love of things invisible, as the Preface of Christmas puts it.

Those Who Dwell in the Cleft of the Rock

All through history the spiritual offspring of the Beloved Disciple have, like so many doves, found refuge in the cleft of the rock, the pierced Heart of Jesus. They are found everywhere in the Church and are needed everywhere in the Church; very often they are desert-dwellers, lovers of solitude, hidden away behind enclosure walls that are but the symbol of a deeper desire: "to be hidden with Christ in God" (Col 3:3). But they are found as well in all sorts of other places: in city apartments and in fashionable suburbs, in conditions of extreme poverty and in places of great suffering. When they speak, their word is uttered out of silence and returns to the silence whence its springs. More often than not they sing, for words alone are poor and inadequate; song, at least, lifts words above themselves, breaks them open and allows their fragrance to fill the whole house (cf. Jn 12:3).

The Authority Born of Adoration

The Johannine authority of the Church comes to birth in adoration: in the contemplation of Jesus' Holy Face, shining with the glory of the Father in the bright cloud of the Holy Spirit on Mount Tabor. It is nourished by the Bread of Life containing in itself all sweetness. Its place of preference is close to the altar, in the radiance of the Most Holy Sacrament. It is instructed in secret: "No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me. . . . It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God; everyone who has listened to the Father and learnt from him, comes to me" (Jn 6:44-45).

With Mary

The Johannine authority is one of love; it flows out of the Heart of Jesus into the heart and mind of whosoever rests his head upon Jesus' breast. It is purified in Gethsemani where it enters into a bloody struggle with the powers of darkness and of sin. It is steadfast on Calvary where, opening its mouth it inhales the gift of the Spirit, handed over in the breath of the Bridegroom, and where raising its eyes to the Pierced One it contemplates a stream of blood and of water. The Johannine authority of the Church is inseparable from the Virgin Mother, has taken her into its home, lives day by day and hour by hour in her intimacy, learning from her things long cherished in the silence of her Immaculate Heart.

Friends of the Lamb

Finally, the descendants of John -- friends of the Lamb -- see beyond what is now into a new heaven and a new earth where God will wipe away all tears, where there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness or pain (Ap 21:3-4). On their faces shines already the radiant glory of God and the Lamb himself is their lighted torch. They make their own the cry of the Spirit and of the Bride: "Come! Amen. Come Lord Jesus!"

Disciples of John

By the infinite mercy of the Word made flesh, may we who want to listen to Peter and defer to him in all things, be numbered among the least disciples of John. Amen.


38 posted on 12/27/2012 6:39:59 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Regnum Christi

Eager Heart
| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY
Feast of Saint John, apostle and evangelist

John20:1a and 2-8

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don´t know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

Introductory Prayer: Lord, today I am reminded of the intensity of love that you stir in the hearts of your followers. I want to be your follower today. I believe that you love me. I believe that you have overcome sin and death. I believe that you walk with me.

Petition: Lord, give me the joy of discovering you as St. John discovered you.

1. Eager: St. John had been enthused by Christ from the very beginning. Early on Christ had won his heart. In his Gospel, John would record many things about Christ in a very personal way, giving us special insights into Christ. Christ allowed him into his heart, and John’s faith gave him reason to hope in the Resurrection. That is why he runs with such eagerness to the tomb. He does not yet know that Christ is risen, but he wants to know. He wants to be where Christ is. Am I eager to be with Christ? This time of Christmas is a special time in which I can naturally feel attracted to Christ. Do I take advantage of this grace and try to converse more with him?

2. Fast: No hesitation; Get there as quickly as possible. John knows where he has to go. Nothing else is as important. He does not let anything get in the way. A saint lives his life quickly, even if his years are long. He lives it quickly because he lives each day, each moment, intensely for Christ and souls. He lives his prayer life intensely—in spite of the natural fatigue and moments of dryness—because he knows the time spent in prayer is the most important moment of the day. A saint lives his service to his family and to others with the intensity of love. Rather than tiring him, love brings him closer to God. Am I afraid to love and to live with intensity?

3. Believing:John was rewarded for his faith. His Lord is alive! No amount of cruelty and evil—not even death itself—can defeat his Lord. John teaches us to believe in Christ, to discover with joy the signs of his presence. Am I using this Christmas season to reaffirm my faith in Christ’s presence in the world? Do I cultivate a supernatural outlook in the things I do, in the way I deal with those around me? Do I build up confidence in Christ’s victory in souls and discover the signs of that victory?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, thank you for St. John’s faith. He was close to your heart. Help me to place my heart in your heart. I want to run to you, Lord, throughout the ups-and-downs of my life, the good times and the bad. Today I will stay close to you in my heart. Stay close to me also.

Resolution: I will pray the Creed in front of a manger scene today and make a special effort to talk about God’s providence in my conversations with others.


39 posted on 12/27/2012 7:25:30 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

The Apostle of Love

 

by Food For Thought on December 27, 2012 · 

When we think of St. John, the first thought that comes to mind is that he is the apostle of love. He sensed God’s love for himself through the person of Jesus Christ so intensely that he was consumed with the desire to make others aware of this great love.

From among the passages in the bible, the Church has chosen for his feast that moment when John himself came to faith in the resurrection of Jesus. He went into the empty tomb; he saw and believed.

Today’s Gospel helps us to see that death for Jesus led to the glory of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign of the Father’s great love not only for his beloved Son, but also for us. Jesus is the plan, the blueprint for our lives. What happened to him will happen to us. We too are vulnerable, subject to death, but death will also lead us to resurrection.

The Christmas season is a time of great joy. St. John, in the first reading, stated that his purpose in writing was that our joy might be complete. Our joy at the birth of Christ is complete when we realize that our fellowship is with the Father and with His son, Jesus Christ. This fellowship, this oneness, will come to full fruit in our own resurrection.


40 posted on 12/27/2012 7:35:30 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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